Office Policies
FIRST ORTHODONTIC VISIT
Nothing enhances one's appearance and self-esteem quite like a beautiful smile! A healthy, bright, confident smile is priceless and so important to social and career success and long-term health. For our children or for ourselves, it's a gift that keeps on giving for a lifetime!
EXAM:
We are always excited about meeting our new patients during their first visit to our office. Your complimentary initial will be very enjoyable, relaxed and informative. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by one of our team members. She will help you sign in on our automated check in screen, give you a tour of our office, and gather the necessary paperwork so we can clearly assess your dental needs.
Dr. Sowards will then do an orthodontic examination and recommend if or when orthodontic treatment will be necessary. This is your opportunity to get to know him, have questions answered, and discuss your concerns.
Our new patient forms can be downloaded and printed before your appointment to help you save time. If you cannot download the new patient form, please call our office and we will send you one via email.
RECORDS:
If it is determined that treatment is needed, you will be scheduled for a diagnostic records. These records usually consist of study models, orthodontic x-rays, and digital photos. Once these orthodontic records have been obtained, Dr. Sowards will review them and determine your individual orthodontic needs. Due to the complexity of your treatment, we will schedule a separate appointment "consult" to discuss your plan in detail.
CONSULT:
During this visit, Dr. Sowards will spend additional time with you and/or your parents going over your treatment. One of our team members will present to you a financial worksheet that will explain our financial options. The total cost will vary by case and complexity. A beautiful, healthy smile is one of the best investments you make in you or your child's future.
START OF TREATMENT:
With all of the improvements in technology, getting your braces placed is no longer and uncomfortable process. The day your braces are placed we usually allow 1 hour of time. We will go over food selection as well as technique that will help you take care of your braces.
REGULAR APPOINTMENTS
After the braces are put on, most of your adjustments will be made at 6 to 8 weeks intervals, which only take 30 minutes to 1 hour of time. Patients are seen by appointments ONLY. We make every effort to be on time for our patients and we ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. Since most appointments are made 6 to 8 weeks in advance, it is difficult to reschedule so if you need to cancel an appointment do so only if it is an emergency.
INSURANCE:
If your insurance covers orthodontic treatment, your benefit amount will be applied to your total treatment balance. We will be happy to file your insurance claims for you as a courtesy, and accept benefits directly from your insurance company. This allows you to reduce your treatment balance considerably.
Below is a partial list of some of the insurances that we accept and determine eligibility. If you don't see your insurance listed below or you would like for our office to help you determine coverage, please call our office to speak with our insurance specialist.
- *Accordia
- *Administrative Enterprises
- *Aetna
- *Aflac
- *Ameriben
- *Asbait
- *Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
- *Blue Cross PPO
- *Cigna
- *Delta Dental
- *Delta USA
- *Delta Network of America
- *GEHA
- *Greatwest Life
- *Guardian
- *Humana Dental
- *MetLife
- *Pinnacle West
- *Premier Access
- *Principal Life
- *Professional Benefit Services
- *Shaw Dental
- *SRT
- *Summit
- *SW Service Administrators
- *Dental Service Corp
- *First Health Network
- *Plan Handlers
- *United Concordia
- *United Healthcare
- *WASAU Benefit
- *Wellpoint Dental
- *Western Growers
- *WEYCO INC.
- *YABC
* We also accept the Flex Plan through your employer.